Honda unmasks Civic hatchback prototype at 2016 Geneva Motor Show

Honda recently unveiled the next-generation Civic hatchback, in prototype form, at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The redesigned hatchback did not escape industry watchers, as they seem to unanimously approve the new look of the next-generation hatchback.

Compared with the current model, the new hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer. In addition, the combination of the larger and wider wheels and tyres with the short overhangs on both ends as well as the sleekly designed cabin projects a more stable stance and a dynamic aura.

Viewed from the front, the large air intake gives a more aggressive look yet still projects a distinctly Honda face. The overall combination of the stylish bonnet, wheel arches, as well as the LED headlights and daytime running lights presents a sporty yet fun front for the new hatchback.

The new hatchback’s body is swept-back which accentuates its forward-leaning stance and hints at the car’s promise of dynamic driving. The sleek silhouette of the body continues uninterrupted from the front to the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights, creating a solid presence. The rear features the angular creases and vents, which demonstrates the car’s aggressive styling.

Project Leader for this 10th generation Civic Daisuke Tsutamori explains how the redesign came to being. The design team focused on creating a truly remarkable exterior that could challenge European compact style while at the same time, it retains its Civic core principles. In essence, it was a combination of distinct and sporty design with practicality and rewarding driving.

The hatchback was designed and developed for the European market and would be available by 2017. However, a five-door hatchback variant will be produced by Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) for the United States and other global markets.

The next-generation Civic hatchback made its global debut in prototype form at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The design of the prototype heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda's core European model, focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics.

The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation. New larger and wider wheels and tyres give a feeling of an assured stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.

At the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes presents a sharp and aggressive interpretation of Honda's family face. LED headlights and daytime running lights flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches.

The sleek and swept-back body lines continue along the side of the car with a swage line that incorporates front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. A second, lower character line extends from behind the front wheels up through the doors and meets the rear wheel arches, emphasising the car's dynamic forward-leaning stance. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the 10th generation Civic provided an insight into how the distinctive design was conceived and realised: "We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic's core values; a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality."

Designed and developed for the European market, the 10th generation Civic is scheduled for a European launch early in 2017. The five-door hatchback variant will be produced by Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), and will be exported to global markets including the United States.

Mercedes-AMG won't be so silent about its performance aspirations as the high-performance arm of Mercedes-Benz unveiled another hardcore model at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. This time around, the performance...